It’s probably the most touristy part of Vietnam, but whatever: it’s pretty sweet. There are thousands of small rock islands jutting out of the water. Unfortunately, since it is so touristy, there are dozens of loud, exhaust-pumping boats floating around. Ours, like most, allow you to dine and sleep aboard, and that’s what we did.

The highlight was kayaking around the bay, which we did our first evening there and this morning. The first time was the best since it was near sundown and hardly anyone was around. We kayaked into an island shaped like a doughnut, penetrating it through a small opening. Yelling in there produces a nice echo. When we repeated the trip this morning, there were a number of motor boats in there and it totally ruined the ambiance.